Katie & Brandon- 701 Whaley Wedding

Katie & Brandon’s wedding ceremony took place in the 701 Whaley Olympia Room in front of a stunning red fabric backdrop created by Ambient Media. Below are excerpts from a Q&A with Katie and some of our favorite images from the wedding day.

How did you two meet?

Brandon and I met at Nonnah’s in the Vista. My sister worked there while she was in college and Brandon’s dad worked there when it first opened playing the piano. They suggested we get a job there so I like to call it fate.

What do you like to do for fun together?

We like to go to the beach. We love trying new restaurants.

How did he propose?

For the longest time I always wanted Brandon to build me something because he loves wood work. So one day he told me he was finally going to make me something. I knew it was something small because he would work on it at the table in the house. I wasn’t allowed to sneak-a- peek of course. I had no idea what it could have been but I was going to wait patiently.

On October 18 th , 2014 Brandon came home from work. I was cooking dinner and he asked me if I wanted my present. Of course I did but I told him I could wait until Christmas like he thought he wanted to. He decided to give it to me that day. He took a little box out of his pocket and explained that he carved it out of Buckeye Tree wood (which is the Ohio state tree and I’m from Ohio). He opened it, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

Where did you get the idea for that awesome red drapery backdrop with the chandelier?

I found that idea on Pinterest. The drapery in the picture was a burnt orange color so I thought of a color that would match my theme better. Sylvia (planner) asked Rufus at Ambient Media if he could do that and he came through. I couldn’t have been more happy with how it turned out.

701 Whaley has the best locations for portraits!

What are some of your favorite wedding moments and memories? Sweet? Fun?

Well I will never forget Ashton and Joseph getting engaged. That was really exciting for me and sweet.

To give you a little background on this, Ashton was one of Katie’s bridesmaids and Ashton’s boyfriend at the time, Joseph, had planned with the couple to propose to her after the bouquet toss. So when the time came to throw the flowers, Katie turned around and handed the bouquet to Ashton. The next thing she knew Joseph was on one knee beside her with a ring. Boy was she surprised! Of course, she said yes and then to add to the surprise, Ashton’s family entered the reception to gather around her and share their congratulations. It was an EPIC proposal!

It was so sweet of you and Brandon to help with Ashton’s proposal at the end of the night. How long ahead did you plan that?

Her name is actually Ashton and her fiancé is Joseph. We actually only planned it about 2 weeks before the wedding. We told Sylvia and she told all of the vendors that needed to know and to be involved. It went perfectly. That was definitely the best part of the night.

Is there anything you would have done differently?

I would have walked down the aisle slower. I feel like I flew down it. I probably would have let myself cry too. I was holding back tears the whole time I walking. I wish it would have lasted longer. The day flew by but there isn’t really much I could do about that.

We’re also excited that this beautiful wedding was featured on the national Wedding Colors blog! Congratulations Katie & Brandon!